- The union representing 4,400 flight attendants at WestJet has issued a 72-hour strike notice, paving the runway for a possible strike during a busy summer travel season.
- Job action could begin as soon as Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT if the two sides don't reach a deal.
- Alia Hussain, chair of the union's WestJet contingent, stated, "We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal."
- WestJet responded to the union's strike notice by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice.
- WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the lockout notice, stating, "We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests."
- Unless a tentative agreement is reached, some flights could start to be grounded by Friday.
WestJet flight attendants have issued a 72-hour strike notice, setting the stage for potential job action starting Sunday at 12:01 a.m. MT if negotiations fail. The union, representing 4,400 flight attendants, cites critical issues such as unpaid work for ground duties.12
In response, WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice, indicating that some flights may be grounded as early as Friday unless a tentative agreement is reached. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressed regret over the situation, stating, "We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests."47
The union's chair, Alia Hussain, emphasized the need for change, saying, "We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal." The ongoing negotiations occur during a peak summer travel season, raising concerns about the impact on travelers.3
As the deadline approaches, both sides remain under pressure to find a resolution to avoid significant disruptions in air travel.
“Alia Hussain, chair of the union's WestJet contingent, emphasized the need for change, stating, "We have been clear about what needs to change, and we have worked hard to reach a fair deal." WestJet responded by issuing a 72-hour lockout notice, with CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech expressing regret over the uncertainty caused for guests.”
